Construction Dust Partnership

Are you at risk?

Construction dust is not just a nuisance, it can cause serious damage to your lungs. These effects can be life changing and even fatal.

You are most at risk if you regularly do any of the following jobs without the right controls:

Using a cut-off saw on kerbs, blocks, paving slabs, roof tiles and other concrete products

Chasing, scabbling or grinding concrete

Drilling or coring for long periods, particularly indoors

Abrasive pressure blasting

Cutting and sanding wood with power tools

Sanding plasterboard jointing

Dry sweeping

Internal demolition and soft stripping.

Work safely

Follow any instructions and advice that your employer gives you. In particular you should:

Use water or on tool extraction provided to keep dust out of the air

Keep your tools and equipment in good order

Avoid dry sweeping

Wear your facemask to protect you form any remaining dust

These controls are there to protect your health and your future.

Your employer has a duty to put in place the right controls to protect your health. If you think that they are not doing this then ask them about it or seek help from the HSE.

Wear your face mask properly and look after it

You are most at risk from the smallest dust particles that you cannot see. That doesn’t mean they are not there.

Even when you are keeping the dust down, you are still likely to need a facemask.

It is easy to use a mask badly. This means it might not give you ANY protection. You should first be given a facefit test to make sure the mask is right for you. You then need to wear it correctly so that the really fine dust cannot get in through any gaps. Store masks properly. Don’t leave them in a pile of dirt!!

Why should I bother?

If you do not, you will continue to cause irreversible damage to your lungs. This may mean:

You do not have enough breath to do simple tasks at work or enjoy your home life

You may be unable to provide for yourself or your family

You are regularly or permanently connected to an oxygen cylinder to help your breathing